Situated in the heart of Carlton, Lygon Street is Melbourne’s
answer to Little Italy. Sprawling out from Queensberry Street to Elgin Street,
it is packed full of tasty European treats and a hearty dose of Italian history
for good measure.

Melbourne is home to a strong Italian heritage that spans
back to the very first settlement. During that period, numerous Italians
arrived right in the middle of the gold rush era.
For many years, the culture of these settlers was absorbed in
contemporary Australian culture but, recently, a pro-European immigration
stance from the government in the mid-1900s saw a fresh surge of Italians flock
to Australian shores.
This new influx of Italians set up clubs and societies, they
started up businesses, and generally injected a large dose of their culture and
heritage into Melbourne city life.
At the end of the 1950s, Lygon Street was dominated by
Italian-run businesses, and it has remained that way ever since.
Italian heritage and culture still remains strong in Lygon
Street, where delicious food encounters with European classics like ham,
cheese, and olives are waiting to be discovered. It is also home to what’s been
dubbed the world’s best margherita, according to the World Pizza Championships.
But Melbourne’s Little Italy isn’t just about the foodie
offerings. There are plenty of Italian-themed markets that line the street,
serving up meats, cheeses, coffees, olive oils, wines, breads, and gelatos, all
within a confined space. When darkness falls, you can spend the evening the
Italian way by knocking back espresso or prosecco and dining al fresco on pizza
and pasta.
This fascinating part of Melbourne shows just how much the
multi-culture vibe of the city affects its modern-day culture. Tucked away in
the heart of Melbourne’s bustling cosmopolitan centre, Lygon Street brings a
dose of Italy to the proceedings, where cheese, ham, and wines are the name of
the game, and a laidback lifestyle offers a contrast to the buzz of daily life.
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